Archive for May 2nd, 2010

Itâ€™s only May and Christmas is a long way offbut you know that feeling of anticipation one feels seeing special gifts under the tree? Thatâ€™s the feeling I get every time an artist announces new work is coming to the gallery. So when Laura Reilly called to tell me she just completed six or seven new paintings from her recent paint-out in San Padre Island, Cabana Beach and the Gulf coast, I could barely wait for her arrival. I know that all my senses were on alert and I was almost giddy; after all I am one of the first people to see her efforts.Â She was about to reveal the results of many hours of work; work that she poured her heart and soul into every brush stroke for our approval and hopefully a meaningful connection. I know she too was excited to show off her new collection and looked to me for an immediate response.

I wanted to rush over and pull away the wrappings. My mindâ€™s eye conjured up all kinds of images until the bubble-wrap was removed, fully revealing her latest prizes. One by one, Laura revealed her wonderful experiences and memories locked in oil on canvas.Â OMG â€¦ so lovely.Â Now that we have celebrated â€œChristmasâ€, itâ€™s your turn to enjoy her gifts. Â Hereâ€™s a quickÂ look of several pieces from this lovely collection of seven 9×12 paintings. Stop in and letâ€™s compare reactions.Â These seven paintings are some of Laura Reillyâ€™s best.Â Itâ€™s easy to see this trip agreed with her. You too can take a trip just by visiting her work. Can you see yourselfÂ wiggling your toesÂ on “her” beach in San Padre Island?